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Indonesia uses all diplomatic channels to free Gaza flotilla detainees

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia's Foreign Ministry is using all available diplomatic channels to secure the release and repatriation of nine Indonesians detained by Israeli forces during the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) humanitarian mission.”We will use all available diplomatic channels to continue protecting and seeking the release of these Indonesian citizens,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said during a media briefing in Jakarta on Thursday.Yvonne said Indonesian embassies were continuing to monitor the condition and whereabouts of the detained Indonesians while coordinating with relevant authorities and preparing necessary assistance measures.She stressed that protecting Indonesian citizens remained the government's priority and that efforts were focused on ensuring their safe return as soon as possible.”We have coordinated closely with various parties, including relevant authorities, to ensure consular access, medical support if needed, and the safe and swift repatriation of Indonesian citizens,” she said.Yvonne said Foreign Minister Sugiono had also communicated with counterparts in countries including Turkiye and Jordan, whose citizens were participating in the flotilla mission.”We will continue using all communication channels, including through friendly countries with access to Israel, the Global Sumud Flotilla legal team, and other parties that can help ensure communication access and the release of Indonesian citizens,” Yvonne said.The ministry previously confirmed that all nine Indonesians participating in the humanitarian mission had been detained after Israeli forces intercepted the aid flotilla bound for Gaza.Among the detainees were three Indonesian journalists covering the mission: Bambang Noroyono and Thoudy Badai from Republika, and Andre Prasetyo Nugroho from Tempo.Indonesia strongly condemned Israel's interception of the humanitarian aid vessels and the detention of the volunteers, including Indonesian citizens.